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When it comes to workplace noise, the majority of people assume this affects only those workers in heavy industry but in fact over 17,000 people currently suffer from work-related noise induced hearing loss, many working within the call centre industry. CWU's Steve Mann, CWU Policy Officer on health and safety gave a presentation on the health implications of 'acoustic shock' a relatively new phenomenon experienced by many in the call centre industry. He began his presentation by explaining just what acoustic shock is: Steve started his presentation by explaining that noise at work can cause hearing damage that is permanent and disabling, and once this happens, you cannot recover the loss of hearing caused. But, he added, Hearing loss is not the only problem as sufferers may go on to develop tinnitus, a distressing condition which can lead to disturbed sleep and hypersensitivity to noise. Steve advised those attending his presentation that The Control of Noise at Work Regulations does not include specific reference to acoustic shock. Whilst the CWU continues to fight for recognition of acoustic shock as a potentially devastating industrial injury and has worked with its lawyers, Simpson Millar to achieve compensation for those members suffering personal injury; it is a fact that all CWU litigation cases concerning acoustic shock have been settled out of court before a precedent judgement could be made. This being one of the ways of ensuring no publicity against an industry which to date has taken little action to protect its employees from acoustic shock and in fact, argues repeatedly that there isn't a problem. Thus ensuring no negative public image of call centre working. Steve said that the first 120 cases the CWU took up resulted in total compensation of £279,881.00 for members affected by acoustic Shock (it is believed the UK figure is now around £2M paid out by employers in out of court settlements). Steve finished his presentation by making it clear that as with all workplace hazards noise induced hearing loss is preventable. He urged safety reps to speak to members to determine the issues concerning them and to press for noise awareness training and noise reporting procedures to be introduced by the employer. One of the most important actions USR's can take is to ensure that all incidents are reported - however small and continue to campaign for solutions. Source: TUC / Unionsafety |
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'Acoustic Shock' is a term used in connection with incidents involving exposure to short duration, high frequency, high intensity sounds through a telephone headset or handset.'